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The Link Between PCOS and Infertility: What You Need to Know?

 


Most females worry about their complexion and physical appearance in the modern era. Suddenly, if one starts observing something wrong with their body, such as odd changes in the body, like gaining weight, sudden pubic hair growth, or irregular periods, one must consult a doctor immediately. Females must understand that there might be underlying reasons behind these health issues requiring medical intervention. The abnormal symptoms mentioned above might indicate a problem with PCOD.


In this article, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a renowned gynaecologist widely known for performing the best PCOD treatment in Mumbai, has explained the link between PCOD and infertility. Read on for more insights.


What is PCOD?


Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a common disorder in females that affects the normal operations of the reproductive system. According to a study, PCOD may affect 15–30% of Indian women, and it is one of the causes of female infertility.


What are the Common Symptoms of PCOD?


Following are some of the common symptoms of PCOD:


  • Excessive facial hair and body hair due to hormonal imbalance called hirsutism. Hormonal imbalance could also lead to mood swings.

  • Females with PCOD feel depressed.

  • It is also said that women with PCOD are at risk of having type-2 diabetes mellitus because of insulin resistance.

  • Hormonal changes also result in the growth of acne.

  • Women with PCOD also have a higher level of insulin production and testosterone production, which often increases weight.

  • An increase in hormone level makes the skin oily and increases acne on the face.

  • Women with PCOD are at a higher risk of having heart disease as their age increases.

  • Women having irregular periods continuously also have an increased risk of developing uterus cancer.

  • PCOD is also associated with the risk of having breast and endometrial cancers.


If one observes these symptoms, one should book a consultation with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, the best Gynaecologist in Mumbai, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital for a diagnosis and to get proper treatment.


What are the Known Causes of PCOD? 


As per a survey, there is no known cause for PCOD. An increase in androgen levels is believed to prevent the ovary from releasing eggs and producing the right level of hormones. There is no such evidence that women who are overweight, obese, or with a family history of PCOD are likely to suffer from this condition.


  • Insulin Resistance: The beta cells are responsible for producing the hormone insulin. It is a substance that helps in controlling blood sugar levels. Females with PCOD are insulin resistant mainly because of obesity. Insulin resistance means that the cells are unable to produce enough insulin. In case this happens, the body demands more insulin. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin too. The extra insulin stimulates the ovaries to create more male hormones.


  • Chronic Low-grade Inflammation: PCOD patients with excess weight tend to have inflammation in their bodies. This can also be indicated in the blood tests that measure the level of white blood cells and C-reactive proteins.


How Does PCOD Affect Fertility?


Infertility is considered to be one of the symptoms of PCOD. In general, ovaries produce male sex hormones and female sex hormones as well. Surprisingly, women require a small number of male hormones for the body's regular functioning. These hormones help in developing eggs and progressing the regular menstrual cycle. 


The ovaries start creating more androgens than needed in some women due to an imbalance in these sex hormones. This excessive androgen production causes irregular menstrual cycles, disrupts the process of ovulation naturally, and causes a few other health issues. According to certain research, the pituitary gland secretes excessive LH (Luteinizing Hormone) into the blood in PCOD patients. 


Such circumstances prevent the follicles from maturing, which may prevent ovulation. This might result in infertility.


What are the Treatments for PCOD?


Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi treats PCOD based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, other health issues, or if they wish to get pregnant. The following are the options available to treat PCOD:


Non-surgical Options


1. Standard Therapies

  • Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills, shots, or a vaginal ring can be used to treat the menstrual cycle or acne. They can help to regulate ovulation and even protect the patient from endometrial cancer. However, it is only recommended if the patient is not planning a baby.

  • Anti-Androgens: These include drugs that block the effects of androgens and reduce excess hair growth.

  • Infertility treatment: When medication is ineffective, and a woman with PCOD wants to get pregnant, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) can also be considered an effective option.


2. Lifestyle Modifications


  • Diet: The patient’s diet must include fewer carbohydrates as they can affect the insulin level. The doctor recommends following a low-glycemic index diet where most carbohydrates come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Weight management: The patient must participate in weight loss programs or follow a diet plan suggested by a dietician to lose weight. Daily exercises can also keep control of weight, reduce blood cholesterol and decrease blood sugar levels to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.


Surgical Options


1. Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling


This is a rarely performed surgical procedure in women suffering from PCOD to trigger ovulation. It is done if infertility medications or lifestyle changes have failed to show results. In ovarian drilling, the surgeon makes a small incision at the belly button to insert a small tube inside the belly. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope in the abdomen (when the belly is filled with air) without causing any harm to the internal organs. This helps the surgeon to have a clear view of the cysts in the ovaries. 


Surgical tools are inserted afterward to take a drill and puncture the cysts inside the ovarian tissues linked with high androgen levels. Even electrocautery or lasers can also be used for this purpose. 


To know about PCOD treatment in Mumbai, please feel free to consult Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a leading gynaecologist at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital. She is also an expert in laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, genital rejuvenation, sexology treatment, and improving women’s reproductive health. 


She has helped many females to become pregnant after treating their PCOD and infertility concerns. Visit her to learn more!
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